Official Seattle information thread Updated 5/28/2014-Oso update

[pixie08]

I would avoid the Pike Place fast food places--the restaurants are pretty decent, and the fresh produce is amazing, but the fast food is more or less what you'd find at the county fair. Top pot is an absolute must. Anthony's on the waterfront is to die for. Can't really speak to the others.

Thanks mellers, that's good to know about that fast food places because I was under the impression they were worth checking out. I will look into Anthony's, I have heard that mentioned before!

 

[dennisbryce]

Hello and thank you so much for taking the time to help others with there planning in Seattle Very much appreciated.

We are going to be staying at the Springhill Suites Renton in May and was wondering on places to eat that are good in that area?
Also any places close we might want to see or visit?
About how far from port is this?

Sorry so many questions but getting so close to our cruise and getting so excited

 

[mellers]

Hello and thank you so much for taking the time to help others with there planning in Seattle Very much appreciated.

We are going to be staying at the Springhill Suites Renton in May and was wondering on places to eat that are good in that area?
Also any places close we might want to see or visit?
About how far from port is this?

Sorry so many questions but getting so close to our cruise and getting so excited

Tukwila is not too far away from Renton, and they have a large mall called Southcenter with a Rainforest Cafe. If you're traveling with kids, there's a Bullwinkle's Fun Center that's also in Tukwila which would be fun.

If you're by the airport, take the light rail into Seattle, and go to the aquarium, or Ride the Ducks, or go to the Experience Music Project or the Pacific Science Center.

You aren't very close to the port, and you may want to allow a little extra time for Monday traffic.

 

[KsSteve]

Anyone have any opinions on the Red Lion Downtown? DW and I are either staying there or Inn At the Market, as both are walking distance from Pike Place.

 

[Mean Queen]

DH insists we stay at the Edgewater because he stayed there before and loved it. But I want to make sure it's close enough to the port and other things to do (like that Duck tour) that we don't spend all our time traveling.

 

[mellers]

DH insists we stay at the Edgewater because he stayed there before and loved it. But I want to make sure it's close enough to the port and other things to do (like that Duck tour) that we don't spend all our time traveling.

Just to be clear, the Edgewater is close to A port, but not OUR port. That said, it's not too far from the Duck tour (just walk over to the elevator up to Pike Place Market, walk over to Westlake Center and you can take the Ducks from Westlake Center.

Unfortunately--nothing's close to our port. However, the Edgewater is not too terribly far away. It is very close to the Aquarium, and you can take the elevator up to Pike Place Market, walk to Westlake, and take the monorail over to Seattle Center, which has the Experience Music Project and the Pacific Science Center.

 

[NWmom]

DH insists we stay at the Edgewater because he stayed there before and loved it. But I want to make sure it's close enough to the port and other things to do (like that Duck tour) that we don't spend all our time traveling.

The Edgewater is one of the things they point out on that Duck tour aka Ride the Ducks.

As mellers said there is no hotel across the street from our pier 91.

So we are all stressing stay near enough to be conventient to the things you want to do pre-cruise.
NW

 

[Deb in IA]

NW Mom/mellers,

Are there any issues with the port opening times, as there are with Port Canaveral?
What time is good to arrive for the cruise?

We will be staying at a hotel - not sure which one yet - for a few nights before, but I wanted to start planning our schedule!

Thanks!

 

[mellers]

NW Mom/mellers,

Are there any issues with the port opening times, as there are with Port Canaveral?
What time is good to arrive for the cruise?

That, I don't know. We took the cruise out of Vancouver last year, and we arrived at about 10-10:30 a.m., and waited about an hour before we checked in.

 

[NWmom]

On the first or second page there is a link to the actual port site. Check that out as it might answer some of your questions.

Honestly, I have not been to pier 91. We sailed out of Vancouver.

 

[mellers]

I'm not sure this is good for the cruise dates (check carefully), but $109/night is a good deal for a Seattle hotel--this was just posted on Groupon Getaways:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/ga-m-h...710&s=body&d=ga-m-hotel-max&p=1&c=deal_button

 

[NWmom]

Mellers- glad you made it through the ice and snow and power outages!

I'm going to try and head down to Pier 91 in the next two weeks, probably Friday, Feb. 10, on my way to/from downtown. They have a new baby sea otter we want to see at the Seattle Aquarium.

So if there are any specific questions on Seattle tourist sights or Pier 91 post them here. I'll do some exploring as well based on questions.
If I don't know, I have a whole bunch of Seattle area natives plus a few more friends/teachers that are in charge of field trips for a homeschool group that really know this town inside and out.

Foodie questions I now have someone to ask who also has someone to ask if he does not know.

Plus all the other NW'ers on the dis boards.

First cruise is still 120+ days out.

Look for more details soon.

 

[mellers]

Mellers- glad you made it through the ice and snow and power outages!

You too!

 

[eandesmom]

Another Native here so will weigh in with my thoughts. We do "date night" a couple times a year downtown so have stayed at many of the area hotels.

While I understand that many natives would say to skip the Seattle Center/Space Needle I might respectfully disagree...in part. It IS fun to go to the top. Kids will love it. In fact, both of my boys have had birthday parties up there. One to to the top just for viewing, and another with 2 of his foodie friends, for dinner (while they could still order of the kids menu). Sure, it's touristy but the view IS cool and it is fun.

The Seattle Center (at least as it stands today) in and of itself though...yeah, not much there. It can be fun to park up there though and then ride the monorail downtown..goof around there and then ride back. The duck is fun but....a bit of a time suck in my opinion. Cute though. I think the Seattle Children's museum is a bit meh, the Everett one (not close to anything of course, is a ton better). However, the Museum of Flight is not to be missed if you have any plane buffs at all. You'd want a car but it really is a wonderful experience.

I am going to presume that most activities families are interested in (in Seattle) will include the Seattle Center, Waterfront/Pike Street Market and possibly Pioneer Square areas.

Being as many that go on Disney cruises are families, and most families are on budgets . . .

I am asking the others to suggest/share their best thoughts on family friendly hotel stay for a family with say 2-4 kids with:

1- Inexpensive or some ability to cut expenses on meals by either having free breakfasts or cooking abilities in the room.

2- that are close to Westlake Center, Seattle Center for ease of transportation as these seem to be the hub of downtown for connecting to one place or another.

3- Safe walking

Thanks in advance

For a basic hotel, the Sheraton really isn't bad. It is very centrally located, you could walk to just about anything. While I'm not (at all) a chain hotel kind of person, I have stayed there on business more than once and it's fine. The Westin is less central as is, in my opinion, the Hyatt. It's funny the difference a block or 2 can make. If you are taking the light rail in...it takes a while and the closest you will be to any hotel is at least 2 blocks. For the experience and price..it's fun, Dh and I did it once heading to Inn at the Market after a trip to Cali to avoid having to park our car. Having done it once...I'd probably take a cab or a shuttle if it were me coming into SeaTac.

In my opinion, you will get far more for your money (the same as staying at a bigger name hotel like the Sheraton) though the Kimpton line of hotels (Alexis and Monaco) or the Edgewater. If you want to really splurge, the Inn at the Market. All often have great deals online and typically AAA specials. We were at the Alexis just before Christmas, on a killer deal for a one night anniversary getaway and got an unbelievable upgrade at check in. I have pictures of our EMP suite! Join as a "one touch" member if you plan to stay there and you will be treated well. Bear in mind I had NO status with Kimpton at the time, I'd lost my old number and re-registered. As far as they were concerned it was my first visit. From the Alexis we walked to a show that evening, and then all over town in the morning, it's a great location.

To me, the customer service you will find at these more "boutique" hotels at the same price makes all the difference in how you experience the city. Some will have breakfast packages. I can't say I've looked for family friendly downtown but do know I'd be comfortable taking my kids to any of these locations.

I'm a lifetime Seattle resident, so I'm happy to help anyone who has questions! I'll give my advice for stuff below.

I do NOT suggest Seattle Center and the Space Needle. There is WAY better stuff to do in Seattle than go here. If you can see the needle from the ground you've seen it - it's really not a big deal. If it is sunny and you want to see the view from the top of the needle, then go - but otherwise, you'll have more fun elsewhere.

Must Do's of any Seattle visit:
You have to visit Pike Place Market, obviously! http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/
Do the Ride the Ducks Tour to see a lot of Seattle and get some history: http://www.ridetheducksofseattle.com/
Seattle Underground tour is an awesome way to get history of the city as well as see some really cool stuff in Pioneer Square: http://www.undergroundtour.com/

Additional stuff:

If you want to see a spectacular view of the city and a beautiful neighborhood, head to Kerry Park: http://www.gonorthwest.com/Washington/seattle/viewpoints/kerry.htm
If you are a huge music fan go to the EMP (Experience Music Project) at the Seattle Center. A fantastic and interactive museum: http://www.empmuseum.org/index.asp

Hotels I recommend: (linking you to the reviews at trip advisor for them):

Inn at the Market: For the quintessential Seattle experience! http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...ews-Inn_at_the_Market-Seattle_Washington.html
The Sorrento Hotel: Lovely, amazing hotel. We stayed here for our wedding http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...ws-The_Sorrento_Hotel-Seattle_Washington.html
The Alexis Hotel: Another beautiful hotel close to the Market: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...Hotel_a_Kimpton_Hotel-Seattle_Washington.html
Hotel Monaco: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...attle_a_Kimpton_Hotel-Seattle_Washington.html
The Fairmont Olympic: A Seattle Classic. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...rmont_Olympic_Seattle-Seattle_Washington.html
The Arctic Club Seattle: This is an awesome hotel that was recently built from a building that was originally a gentleman's club during the Gold Rush area. It's an awesome building with historical architecture, and a beautiful hotel: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...eTree_by_Hilton_Hotel-Seattle_Washington.html
Suite type hotels such as the Embassy are not as easy to find in good locations here in Seattle. If you must have one I suggest the Homewood Suites on Pike Street: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...on_Center_Pike_Street-Seattle_Washington.html


I trust trip advisor in general for hotel recommendations: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60878-Seattle_Washington-Hotels.html


Websites about Seattle:

http://www.gonorthwest.com/Washington/seattle/Seattle.htm
http://www.downtownseattle.com


Places to Eat:
Wild Ginger: http://www.wildginger.net/
The Pink Door: http://thepinkdoor.net/
Palisades: http://palisaderestaurant.com/
Metropolitan Grill: http://www.themetropolitangrill.com/
Ray's Boathouse: http://www.rays.com/
Purple Cafe and Wine Bar: http://www.thepurplecafe.com/
Palace Kitchen: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=palace-kitchen
Icon Grill: http://www.icongrill.com/
Dahlia Lounge: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=dahlia-lounge

Top Pot Donuts is amazing: http://www.toppotdoughnuts.com/

Other waterfront/downtown/belltown locations

I would add 67 to this list, Etta's Seafood for a killer brunch, Cafe Campagne, Campagne, Flying Fish and El Gaucho. There are more but I'm blanking at the moment! Ray's and Palisades are nowhere near downtown so unless you have a car, it's a pricey cab ride.

I love most of the restaurants listed above. However, depending on the ages of kids, I might not suggest them as a family location and the Met is crazy expensive. Serious Pie is great for kids. Some of my kids downtown favorites: Rock Bottom, Gordon Biersch, Elysian Fields, Hard Rock Cafe and the Old Spaghetti Factory (near the waterfront), Ivars, Anthony's (any of the 3 locations on the waterfront) and they always love PF Changs (at Westlake).

It's still a couple of hours outside Seattle, but the small town of Sequim (pronounced "Skwim") is a popular recreation destination in this area, and this is a good deal:

http://www.livingsocial.com/escapes/209480-olympic-peninsula-inn?msdc_id=1729-seatlle-citywide

LivingSocial had a few hotel deals outside of Seattle.

One is for a picturesque little town called Leavenworth, that's set up to look like an old German village:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/ga-m-a...s=body&d=ga-m-adventure-inn&p=1&c=deal_button

The other is for Friday Harbor, a big whale watching area near Seattle:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/ga-m-r...&s=body&d=ga-m-roche-harbor&p=2&c=deal_button

I haven't stayed either place, but they are both good deals, if they coincide with your cruise.

These are all quite far from the city, day or overnight trips of their own. 2+ hour drives, ferry rides, etc. Wonderful places but a closer getaway would be Salish Lodge up at Snoqualmie Falls. 45 minutes if traffic cooperates. Gorgeous getaway (think Wilderness Lodge but a bit more elegant) and amazing amazing food.

There is wonderful hiking all over, if you want to get a little bit out of town. I do recommend the aquarium, though it has been quite a while since we've been there.

For anyone who is a Seattle local, can you recommend the must have places to grab some food? DH is all about dining he is a foodie so we have a list of some places we are considering eating(all if possible)...

Poppy
Dahlia Lounge
Serious Pie
Six Seven for Brunch (I chose this because I want to eat on the waterfront)
Top pot dougnuts
Pike Brewing
many vendors in Pike place
and a few coffee shops about town

We thought of doing one of the Savor Seattle food tours but we aren't sure it is worth $70pp?

Thanks for any help!

There are a TON of great brewpubs with better beer than Pike. LOL! I love the Alibi Room, which is at the market. Not a brewpub mind you but just a fun little place. Great beer selection and fun food. 67 is great for dinner as well and if it's summer, a wonderful patio. I personally love Etta's for brunch but there are a ton of good places downtown for that.

 

[eandesmom]

For the foodies....

You may want to consider an extra night in Woodinville wine country, which is about 45 minutes from downtown (less if traffic cooperates).

The Herbfarm is an amazing culinary experience (think Victoria and Alberts chef's table).

Located near a lovely hotel, Willows Lodge. Nearby is several wineries and tasting rooms. We are big fans of the Barking Frog, which is located at Willows. Mark Ryan in particular makes some lovely wines and Alexandria Nicole has a charming tasting area with light bites.

 

[MillauFr]

I second a trip to Woodinville if you are into wine. There are many great wineries there.

If you are into food, I recommend Rovers on Madison. It is not cheap, the grand tasting menu is $145 + $85 for the wine paring. Chef Thierry is one of the best in the US and his meals are worth the cash. I would rank him right up there with Daniel and French Laundry.

 

[mellers]

Bellevue, just across the bridge from Seattle, is known for upscale shopping and the Microsoft campus and museum (although, technically, the campus is in neighboring Redmond). If you find yourself in Bellevue, my foodie recommendations are:

The Amazon Grill: http://www.opentable.com/amazon-grill-bellevue

Brazilian Rodizio--roasted meats brought to your table and carved there. Wonderful food.

Maggianos: http://www.maggianos.com/

Italian food made from scratch--great stuff, but order the family style--that's the best. Bring a big appetite--family style is all you care to eat.

The Crossroads Bellevue Food Court:

http://www.crossroadsbellevue.com/

The Crossroads neighborhood of Bellevue is the most diverse in the United States--it's also my favorite part of the Seattle area. Avoid the Crossroads Cafe, but everywhere else is wonderful. If you prefer sit down food, go for the Crossroads Bar & Grill--despite the name, it's a great place to take kids and they have kids menus, coloring sheets and crayons. Ask for a seat by the aquarium. This is a great place to stop if you plan to visit the Microsoft Museum or the Microsoft Campus. They also have a nice, inexpensive weekend brunch if you visit before 11 a.m.

Technically in Redmond:

The Mandarin: Not your usual Chinese buffet--it caters to local Chinese families (including mine), and on any given day will have traditional favorites, as well as things like pizzas, jello and ice cream for picky kids, but it usually will have at least one less well-known dishes like snails, jellyfish or crayfish for the adventurous. The menu is lighter at lunch, but still excellent.

http://mandarinbuffetgrill.com/

All of the above places are fine places to go with your kids. We also have a Top Pot, if you don't hit the Top Pot donuts in Seattle.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Mellers- glad you made it through the ice and snow and power outages!

I'm going to try and head down to Pier 91 in the next two weeks, probably Friday, Feb. 10, on my way to/from downtown. They have a new baby sea otter we want to see at the Seattle Aquarium.

So if there are any specific questions on Seattle tourist sights or Pier 91 post them here. I'll do some exploring as well based on questions.
If I don't know, I have a whole bunch of Seattle area natives plus a few more friends/teachers that are in charge of field trips for a homeschool group that really know this town inside and out.

Foodie questions I now have someone to ask who also has someone to ask if he does not know.

Plus all the other NW'ers on the dis boards.

First cruise is still 120+ days out.

Look for more details soon.

Ooh, I have one! Can you see if there are any rental car offices near the port that offer shuttle like there are at PC? That would be a huge help.

 

[NWDAD]

Ooh, I have one! Can you see if there are any rental car offices near the port that offer shuttle like there are at PC? That would be a huge help.

There are 3 that have a rep at the terminal and shuttles on cruise days. Here is the link, http://www.portseattle.org/Cruise/Services/Pages/default.aspx

Kevin

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

There are 3 that have a rep at the terminal and shuttles on cruise days. Here is the link, http://www.portseattle.org/Cruise/Services/Pages/default.aspx

Kevin

Thanks! I'll check it out!

Ok, another question. It states they have a rep available & shuttles to take guests from the port to rental cars but what if we prefer to have a rental car prior to the cruise? We'll be arriving in Seattle 2 days before sailing so we will definitely have a rental car during that time. (After the cruise we have to go straight home so we'll probably use DCL transfers for that.)
If we can't find an easy drop off site near the port, we'll probably just return it to SEA the morning we embark and take DCL transfers to the port.